A Guide to Safe Reptile Handling

February 18, 2013

Reptiles can make excellent companion pets, but they do require some unique care to ensure that their owners and others who handle them remain safe and free of illness or disease. Some reptiles carry diseases such as salmonella, which can be transmitted to anyone who holds or comes into contact with them. In order to enjoy your scaly companion safely, here are some helpful tips from a Welland animal hospital the Main West Animal Hospital.

Always wash your hands thoroughly after handling a reptile.

Disinfect any surfaces that the creature came into contact with.

Keep an antibacterial hand sanitizer readily available when handling a reptile where there are no adequate washing facilities.

Keep your reptile’s habitat, including food, water bowls and bedding materials, as clean as possible.

Use rubber gloves when cleaning and stop by a Welland animal hospital, the Main West Animal Hospital for suggestions on how to keep your reptile’s living environment clean and safe.

Closely supervise children when handling reptiles and make sure they thoroughly wash their hands afterwards.

Never handle a reptile when you have cuts or open wounds on your hands.

Don’t kiss or let your mouth come into close contact with your reptile.

Do not touch any food or food-related items (such as dishes, pots/pans or utensils) after handling a reptile until you have thoroughly washed your hands.

Keep pet reptiles out of the kitchen and away from any food preparation areas.

Children under the age of 5, pregnant women and anyone who is immuno-compromised should not handle or come in direct contact with reptiles because they are at a greater risk of contracting an illness such as salmonella.

Owning a reptile can be a wonderful, rewarding experience. Certain care should be taken, however, to ensure that the people in your home as well as your scaly companion remain safe in your interactions with one another. By following these tips and working closely with a Welland animal hospital the Main West Animal Hospital , you will all be able to enjoy a healthy, happy relationship.